Ricoh interview: "The development of the K-series is our first priority"

Pictured is Mr. Takashi Arai, one of several Ricoh executives we sat down with. Mr. Arai represents the Product Planning Department, within the Product Development Center of Ricoh's Smart Vision Business Group.

Recently we visited the 2018 CP+ show in Yokohama, Japan and booked an in-depth interview with several executives from Ricoh. Among the topics covered were the company's new K-1 Mark II, as well as the future of both the GR series and 360 imaging with the Theta line.

The following interview has been edited slightly for clarity and flow.

What is your ILC strategy for your next generation of products?

We have lots of requests for lenses, especially from K-1 users. They want more lenses that match the higher resolution of the K-1, so that’s one objective which we would like to implement.

As you may know, we will be releasing the 50mm F1.4 SDM AW this Spring, although we cannot specify the exact date. We also have the new 11-18mm F2.8 lens for APS-C, so we’re not only focusing on full-frame. We want to enlarge [the lens selection for] both formats.

What kind of customers are buying the K1/II and KP?

Especially for the K-1, customers who are looking for higher resolution in the field of landscape photography and [appreciate] our tough body construction and weather and dust resistance. Lots of customers who really use this camera in the field are very fond of the new K-1 series.

Will we ever see another Ricoh / Pentax mirrorless camera, such as the K-01?

The Pentax K-01 was a mirrorless camera that used the full-depth Pentax K-mount, allowing full compatibility with existing Pentax lenses. While image quality was great, the camera was bulky, and there were some performance and autofocus shortcomings.

Our resources for research and development are limited and we are more focused on the development of K-series bodies and lenses. That is our first priority, and why we are currently not too involved in the development of other smaller cameras.

Good question. Although we don’t know whether it will be called ‘GR III’ or not, the study for the development of the next GR is already ongoing. We cannot say when, and how exactly it will be, but the next GR will come someday.

What is your strategy for medium-format? How has the market changed since Hasselblad and Fujifilm entered at the consumer end?

Our strategy has not really changed. The 645Z is a DSLR, a reflex camera, and the advantage of a reflex camera is that what you see is what you get [through the optical viewfinder]. On top of that, the 645Z can use Live View, so it has the advantage of having both options. We think that it’s a strong point that our competitors don’t have, and we’ll continue to develop the possibilities of what we can do with reflex cameras.

We welcome competitors like Fujifilm and Hasselblad. Together with competitors, we can expand the total medium-format market

We actually welcome competitors like Fujifilm and Hasselblad. Together with competitors, we can expand the total medium-format market. People can be made more aware of medium-format’s advantages, and we believe in the superiority of medium-format compared to full-frame.

How do you think 360-degree imaging will evolve in the coming years?

In terms of resolution, we think that it’s not yet enough and should be better. The market is expanding, but still, the current user of the Theta 360 camera is more of a ‘gadget lover.’ We want to expand the customer profile from that specific type of user to more generic users.

Do you see any development in, say, the Theta’s form factor as a way to reach other users?

Ricoh's Theta V uses the same sensors and lenses as the older Theta S, but offers improved image quality thanks to an updated processor.

This form factor is iconic for the Theta. We think it’s important. On the other hand, if there is demand, we would like flexibly to think about any other possibilities, even for other form factors.

What else are Theta users asking for?

They’re asking for better quality of stitching, and since the camera has internal memory, there have been requests to have expandable memory. In order to respond to that kind of request, we have just released a firmware that allows the Theta V to connect to external memory using the USB port.

Photographers are interested in creating pictures [using techniques] such as composition, and [with the total 360-degree image], there is no creativity from this perspective.

From a marketing point of view, I don’t think many photo enthusiasts who are reading your articles have much interest in 360 cameras like the Theta, unfortunately. That’s because with this camera, we can take an image of all 360 degrees. But photographers are interested in creating pictures [using techniques] such as composition, and [with the total 360-degree image], there is no creativity from this perspective.

But if we capture whole [360-degree] images, we can edit those images with photo applications such as Theta+. And with that application software, photo enthusiasts can [selectively] create their own images and reflect their own sensibility. So we have to do more promotion to photo enthusiasts that use various types of editing applications.

Will we see an updated APS-C flagship camera in the future?

For the flagship APS-C model, we have just started to develop that. It’ll be the successor of the K-3 II and will be an evolution of the K-3 series.

The Pentax K-3 II was released in 2015, and now that Pentax has brought the full-frame K-1 II to market, they are beginning development on the next APS-C flagship.

How did feedback from K-1 owners feed into the planning for the K-1 II?

Feedback, especially from K-1 owners, is more focused on the upgrade services.

Existing K-1 users will be able to update their cameras for a fee - will there be any functional differences remaining between the two models after this service?

Once a user upgrades the K-1 to K-1 II, there will be no difference. Perhaps some K-1 users think it’s more prestigious to have the ‘II’ on the front.

Editor's Note:

Pentax has a reputation for building affordable, capable and rugged DSLRs, and judging from our conversation with Mr. Arai and his colleagues, it appears as though parent company Ricoh is planning on staying the course in this regard. And while the renewed focus on updating their K-Mount lens lineup is encouraging, it must be said that the continued evolution of competitors' mirrorless camera offerings has Pentax's DSLR-only lineup looking a little staid.

But perhaps that's just to be expected. After all, Ricoh is a smaller camera company, and must be highly strategic in where it invests its R&D money. This prioritization is clear in the discussion of the 645Z compared to newer mirrorless options. Since the 645Z has an optical viewfinder while still offering competitive image quality, it remains appreciably distinct from Fujifilm's and Hasselblad's offerings. Therefore the company is choosing to narrow its development focus to a new flagship APS-C DSLR, which is likely what more users are asking for anyway.

The confirmation that a new Ricoh GR is coming is downright exciting

Thankfully though, lenses and DSLRs aren't all that's in the works at Ricoh-Pentax. The confirmation that a new Ricoh GR is coming – even if all we know is that it's coming someday – is exciting. In the age of ever-more-capable smartphones whose lenses are of a similar focal length, Ricoh's continued development of the photographer-focused GR series shows an admirable commitment to their users and fans.

Last but not least is the Theta series. Ricoh's newest Theta V is an impressive evolution of the previous 'S' model, improving image quality and features through better processing and software. The company still feels it has room to grow, not only in terms of image quality, but also mass-market appeal. It's interesting hearing the executives' take on the creativity (or lack thereof) of using 360 cameras, and it'll be even more interesting to see how they continue to evolve the platform and editing software to get more Thetas into the hands of more photographers, and not just 'gadget lovers.'

Comments

If you can't fight on any front a financially superior competition, it makes sense to stay put, let them fight for the main (emerging) market, and concentrate the resources to a niche market (as the DSLR market will be in a short time).It could even happen that Pentax becomes the owner of the DSLR niche, by just surviving and updating their line-up with well aimed improvements. Software algorithms are the key, predictive AF tracking is where Pentax cameras are not up with the competition. Electro-mechanical stuff is OK, no need for game changer innovations.I still prefer to have the choice of an optical viewfinder, but I'd like to have (apart from better AF-C, that I almost never use) a properly working focus confirmation with manual lenses faster than f/2.8. The K-1 shines with vintage lenses, thinner stack in front of the sensor (no AA) helps with fringing, but I find awkward having to use enlarged LiveView with Focus Peaking. Give me a working focus confirmation led!

After having a K-5 and K-3 I have a soft spot for Pentax. Great cameras with almost perfect handling. But they really need to get their autofocus on par with other products. I now have a Fuji X-T2 and focus is sooo much better than my Pentax cameras. Can't they hire some engineers from a competitor to get at least a little better>

I think those who need complete solution for photographic application don't use Pentax. Rather than trying to be in line with mainstream, why not minimize K-mount body like MX in the old days? It blew my mind when they introduced the bulky K-1. I don't care how they plan to release FF lenses in the future, these are just rebranded products. As long as I can get the tiny FA limited lenses that's enough.

MX was a film camera. Pentax K1 is as small as a Canon or Nikon apsc DSLR. Pentax K1 is 136.5mm wide , Fuji X-H1 mirrorless is 139,8mm wide. Pentax K1 has about 700 shots capacity without battery grip. Add a battery grip to a Fuji X-H1 mirrorless to get to 700 shots capacity and Fuji X-H1 mirrorless becomes larger than a Pentax K1. X-H1 mirrorless feature an apsc size sensor, Pentax K1 features a full frame sensor.

Now, now, don't spread disinformation: only 3 lenses (1 DA, 2 D FA) are rebranded; one another is based on a Tokina design and the rest are all Pentax.

And the reason why they didn't made the K-1 as small as a MX is because they had to stuff much more inside - PDAF system, AF motor, viewfinder display system, 86k segments metering, sensor, SR platform, mainboard with processor&other electronic stuff, 2 card slots, back LCD, motorized shutter and mirror actuation, etc.Just trying to get the MX to shoot with automatic film advance means putting a winder on it, which would get it to about 800g.Adding a bulk film load to give you a shooting capacity equal to 2 64GB SD cards would easily make up for the other 200g. Then, where's the preview? Where's the autofocus? Where is everything else?

Actually the "Tokina design" is said to be a project sold to Tokina and originally developed by Ricoh/Pentax.Whatever... long ago people used to buy Pentax because of their optics, now I own a K-1 because it has the best price/performance ratio amongst FF cameras (and because it's the best reflex solution to use vintage lenses). Now Ricoh is dealing with what they got from Hoya. The optical design department was literally destroyed. There is hope, but the investment is minimal, so we can't expect a very slow release of new lenses.Being an ex-pro, and having used Pentax since the late seventies (including the 6x7 when a lager format was not required), I know that Pentax has an history of too late, too prudent). The late switch to bayonet mount; AF development put on hold for too long after the first tentatives; no pro successor to the wonderful LX; late full commitment to digital; late release of the full frame; etc etc.This time I see their point, though.

What is the minimum economic size of a company to be profitable in the consumer dedicated camera market? The DSLR market is not going away because the technology still offers something that some people desire, eg, OVF; and its more mature technology in general. Only 3 companies make dslrs for the whole global market and there is no company that would think of entering it now, so there probably is enough room for Pentax to survive and be profitable. Not wildly profitable but you don't have to be,

Pentax has a cooperation with Tamron, sharing optical designs and production.

The main "issue" is Sigma. They used to produce K-mount versions of their lenses but then stopped, possibly due to lacking sales volumes but AFAIK, nobody really knows.

Regarding Pentax's chances of survival I agree with multisystem and the fact that customers have no Sigma alternatives to splurge their money on, is actually good for Pentax. I'm sure Pentax makes more money on lenses than they do on cameras.

I'm so disappointed Ricoh not removing the mirror from their Pentaxes. When I used DSLRs, I always finished last on photography contests. On day 1 that I used a Sony A7, my photographs moved to top rated immediately, I guess that's the benefit of mirrorless. hummm, just kidding. That said, the advantage of mirrorless is very good for business, when users switch from DSLR to mirrorless they buy packs of new lenses, changing lens mount is great way to squeeze money out of the pockets of customers vs the classic business model used by Pentax: camera upgrade allowing users to use all of their legacy glass at no cost.

I think for some, that might make them more willing to buy into the same manufacturer's mirrorless system--if they can adapt their lenses. I know if Nikon releases a mirrorless that lets me adapt my current FF glass, then I'd probably buy into that rather quickly because I wouldn't be required to buy all new lenses. But that of course is a big IF... if Nikon even comes out with a FF mirrorless (or even APS-C at this point).

Joshua - with respect, I think everyone here is already aware that the flange distance is much shorter with mirrorless, compared to DSLR.

Nikon and Canon will both almost certainly use a new lens mount, but both will make adaptors available, so that FX and EF lenses can be used with full compatibility on their respective new mirrorless mounts.

Yes I was aware. I'm not asking for native direct-connect support. I'm sure (and since they even announced a new mount for mirrorless: the proposed "Z" mount) it will require an adapter. I'm OK with that (as long as it's not absurdly expensive and a light leaker).

I'm OK with an adapter that maybe costs a few hundred (as it would be cheaper than having to sell my current gear, my 24-70, 70-200, etc, and having to buy all new lenses over again. That part I'm not really OK with).

Using adaptors is quite risky, as they are trying to match the electronic wizardry of one brand with another. Consequently even with the most expensive adaptors there are commonly reported problems with AF, and sometimes with metering.

AF is usually perfectly fine using adapted lenses for *static* subjects such as landscape, product and architectural photography, but subject recognition and tracking is very unlikely to be good enough for fast-moving sports, wildlife or BIF.

Using e.g. Canon EF glass via a Canon adaptor on an EOS-M camera should be fine. Likewise using Nikon FX glass on the rumoured Nikon Z-mount should be fine. Mixing brands is risky. You may be lucky, or you may not.

Not necessarily if the adapter is to adapt lenses for the same brand (such as the adapter for the Nikon 1 to mount F-mount glass on the NIkon 1 system). Yes it does get risky when you start adapting (or using adapters) that are not made by the manufacturer or that are used to adapt lenses from one system to another. But I would think if you were staying within the same system (brand), and the adapter was made by that manufacturer, there is far less risk for issues. Not to say they won't happen, but less likely.

(The discussion argument we were having here was more about adapting existing Nikon glass to their new "proposed"--but not yet released--mirrorless system since it will use a new mount system: the Z mount apparently).

"when users switch from DSLR to mirrorless" - now, that's a HUGE assumption.Why are we still Pentaxians? - talking about those of us who are continuing to buy their DSLRs i.e. who are their customers. Because we want DSLRs and not mirrorless, obviously.So the above should be, "the few users who might switch from DSLR to mirrorless".And with this, I hope it's clear why they're still prioritizing DSLRs ;-)

Until companies like Sony can master some of the drawbacks that mirrorless bodies have compared to their DSLR counterparts, I'm always going to keep a DSLR around (for example, astro/night photography... many mirrorless cameras in my opinion still struggle, in particular with the NR---sony is still battling this one IMO). Granted you can do NR in post processing, but I like to try to get the cleanest images possible and I personally am still not sold on them just yet as a primary camera. Secondary or backup, sure. I have an XT-2 mirrorless but it's not my primary camera nor would I really consider doing astro/night photography with it either.

This is also why I'm sort of hoping that Nikon can get their act together and get a mirrorless option out there, for those of us who have NIkons and are willing to make the jump to mirrorless, but want to keep our existing glass rather than invest in a new system / switch systems.

@LightBugI tried using adapters for a while. It sucked.It is very inconvenient having to change both adapter and lens when you are changing between lens mounts. In particular, if you are trying to keep the camera, lens, and adapter dust free.

Either you have an adapter for each lens and leave it permanently attached (expensive and bulky) or you only use one adapted system (but no native lenses), or you will not enjoy the experience as much as you may think.

Also, adapters will frequently prevent features like "eye AF" from working or make PDAF unreliable. I've seen the latter happen with my own eyes.

All these practical issues are conveniently not highlighted by mirror-less advocates who have been excusing the scarcity of native lenses for certain mirror-less systems with the "adapter argument".

It's interesting to look at where those people come from. vyoufinder is a Sony user, owning no less than 3 A7 series cameras. Which is absolutely fine, except... the chance for him to ditch Sony for a Pentax/Ricoh mirrorless is basically nil.How many of those pushing for mirrorless would buy a Pentax/Ricoh? Not "eventually", not "only if it's cheaper than the cheapest Sony". I have the feeling that most of the time they're asking just for the sake of asking.OTOH we, the active user base, are supporting the Pentax K DSLRs with our money, and demanding for more such products.

IMO, Even if the K1 was better than my NIkon I still wouldn't buy into the system myself. And let's say for the sake I did dump my D750. I would probably either go with a Canon or Sony to be honest (probably in that order, but I haven't decided yet). Why? Because they are continuing to develop new technologies and products to keep up with the rest of the market (I sort of feel Pentax fell behind, kind of like Nikon and mirrorless). The Pentax is more in a niche market in my view and really doesn't have much room to move around or expand. If all you want is a 24-70 and a K1 for general photography and maybe a telephoto, you're set--those exist. But in my opinion, I just don't see Pentax being any more than it is today: a niche brand in with a small market. And like I said, this is coming from a fellow DSLR user/fan who isn't ready to give up on the DSLR just yet.

Alex - True. The chances of anyone switching from another brand to a Pentax of *any* type are virtually nil. That's not a dig at Pentax, but a reflection of how people are reluctant to switch brands, especially to one that they (rightly or wrongly) perceive as inferior.

But that's missing the point a bit:

The fact is that most Pentax users are "old school" and middle-aged or older, and probably not interested in *any* mirrorless. Pentax will almost certainly die once this group diminishes in size, which is inevitable.

Their only hope of survival is to try and capture the (mostly young) novice market, and they ain't gonna do that by making DSLRs in different colours!

The smartphone generation aren't interested in DSLRs, they want "electronic gadgets", and that translates to mirorless.

Pentax will sadly go the same way as Minolta, Miranda, Contax, Yashica, Konica, Praktica, Rollei and all the other dead brands, unless they adapt to new markets rather than trying to prolong old ones.

Actually, the chance of anyone switching from another brand to a Pentax K DSLR is greater than zero.And I don't appreciate other brands (or types of cameras) users spreading FUD. Find a better pastime.

Alex - I'm not anti-Pentax, so there's no need to get yourself all upset. In fact, as you'll find if you read my other posts in this thread, I regard them as excellent cameras.

Sadly, what you describe as "fear, uncertainty and doubt" is actually "fact, unfortunate but doubtless". I genuinely want Pentax to do well, and I'd really like them to be able to turn the "big 3" into the "big 4".

But you have to face reality, it just isn't going to happen unless Ricoh wakes up to the fact that increasingly, people (especially newcomers to photography) want mirrorless.

I'd love to know where Eguchi-san gets his figures from - has every Pentax K1 purchaser really completed a questionnaire that proves 50% have switched from other brands?? Highly unlikely, more a case of management bravado or wishful thinking.

No, I'm not taking the wrong approach - but how about you?You are consistently wrong, as everyone "predicting" Pentax' death so far.- Ricoh Imaging *is* developing new products; to say they are unable to do it is utter BS.- Maybe being owned by a more ambitious company (and one without Ricoh's current problems) would've been better. You can always think of how things could've been better. However! Getting sold to another company is a highly disruptive process, something Pentax cannot afford.We've seen this under Hoya: no K-mount product whatsoever in 2011, with the new lens introductions slowed down to a grinding halt the years before. If this is your solution, my question is: to what?

Alex - "If this is your solution, my question is: to what?" - To the sad demise of Pentax. I'm afraid it's only a matter of time. Sorry to have to say that, but it's my honest belief that Pentax will be dead within 10 years if they don't produce a successful ILC mirrorless.

Pentax don't have the "name" and the luxury tag of leica, so they will not survive producing "runner up" DSLRs for a specialised market that will go into rapid decline when Canon and Nikon bring out their FF mirrorless models.

Are you sure it's not to your brands facing competition?You say it's your 'honest belief'; I don't care. It's FUD. Even if you honestly believe that you know better the camera market than the camera companies, it's still FUD.

"Pentax will be dead within 10 years" if they don't do whatever? What's the point of even saying that? 10 years is a long term, we didn't had the MILCs 10 years ago. Obviously, it's plenty of time for Ricoh Imaging to adapt to market conditions.There can be only one purpose of making such an irrelevant yet negative comment: FUD.

Here and now, Pentax must serve their existing customers and grow the K-mount line, with priority.I believe at some point they'll do a large sensor mirrorless line. But it's not something to throw away their user base for.

And by the way, Nikon had a mirrorless line (the 1" sensor) and Canon has theirs for years. Mirrorless FF, also, isn't something new. Don't hold your breath waiting for a dramatic change.

Alex - I've never suggested that Pentax abandon their DSLR user base, that's quite a ridiculous allegation. Check my criticisms of Samsung for doing exactly that to their users.

What I'm saying is that Pentax cannot and will not survive on DSLRs *alone*, and that if they delay entry into the ILC mirrorless market then they will die. It's inevitable.

Canon and Nikon have "seen the light". Canon already have a whole line of APC mirrorless ILCs, and are expected to launch a semi-pro FF mirrorless this year. They are a BIG company but know that even as current DSLR market leader (in terms of sales) they need to capture the mirrorless market if they are to continue that trend.

Likewise Nikon are known to be working on a FF mirrorless that will probably be launched early next year.

Meanwhile the only other DSLR producer, Pentax, shows no sign of entering the mirrorless ILC market.

continued... When Canon and Nikon release their FF mirrorless, most upgraders will make the switch.

A few will remain with DSLRs for a while, but whether we like it or not (I use DSLRs) we have to face the truth that DSLRs will soon go the way of TLRs and SLRs.

They'll survive as specialised tools for a while but the market will quickly shrink, prices will rise accordingly, further development will stop, and within 10 years (quite probably sooner) no one will be buying new DSLRs.

For the very few who do continue to buy them, their first choice is far more likely to be Canon or Nikon than Pentax, no matter how good the Pentax may be.

I'm off out for the day now, so you have 24hrs to consider reality before composing a reply.

So you think you can decide reality on our behalf? That's arrogant and condescending. So typical.

With the current market conditions (DSLRs:MILCs 1.9:1), Ricoh Imaging can survive with their existing product lines. If the market conditions will change dramatically, Ricoh Imaging will adapt - and will continue to exist. There's no reason to believe otherwise.What Ricoh Imaging cannot survive without is their Pentax K-mount DSLRs.

"most upgraders will make the switch" - that's BS. The mirrorless option already exists, for both Canon and Nikon users; those who really wanted to switch were able to do so for years.What you're calling 'reality' is nothing more than propaganda.

Alex "So you think you can decide reality on our behalf? That's arrogant and condescending. So typical"

In fact it is you showing "arrogance and a condescending attitude", not me.

I’m happy to continue lengthy and robust discussions with any polite and reasonably intelligent person. However, as you have now chosen to resort to insults I'm now slamming the door on you. I don't continue discussions with people who become insulting. Goodbye and learn some manners.

I wasn't the one advising you to "face reality". I wasn't the one giving you 24 hours to "consider reality". And now I'm not the one alluding to you being (or not) a "reasonably intelligent person". You *are* condescending.

And I wasn't the one repeating how a brand that I'm not using will "die" because they *might* not do something that *might* become necessary in the future.

If you want to be respected, learn first to respect the others - including their choices. It's fine if they're different than yours.

Where and when exactly have I criticised your choices? I've never made a personal criticism of you or insulted you in any way. I have adhered strictly to stating my opinion of the decision made by Ricoh, because I want Pentax to survive during the very difficult times the brand is now facing.

Your persistent and unrealistic defence of Ricoh policy, and your denial of the unfortunate realities facing the Pentax brand, together with your progressively more insulting attitude, merely demonstrates that you know you are wrong but are afraid to admit it for fear of losing face.

Your opinion is different from mine, that is not a problem for me. I respect other people's opinions even if I don't agree with them. On the other hand you have just demonstrated that you have no respect whatsoever for anyone's opinions but you own.

Thanks a lot for the interview. I would have liked to see a question regarding K-mount support from other manufacturers like Sigma.

From a customer perspective, the lack of Sigma, Tamron, Zeiss, etc. options that existed for K-mount a while ago represents a certain limitation. From Pentax's perspective, the lack of competition may be a good thing.

Given their take on competition in the MF space, however, one would expect Ricoh to also "welcome" competition in the K-mount space.

While I'm happy as a clam with the lenses I already got for my K-1, I'd love to see Sigma engaging with the K-mount again, particularly now that the KAF4 mount is available, which no longer requires a mechanical aperture lever implementation, thus making it very economical for Sigma to offer their lenses with this mount variant as well (KAF4 is mechanically very similar to the Sigma mount).

The other thing is that Sigma and Tamron (and other third parties) obviously don't see Pentax as a big enough market to invest in creating lenses. Pretty much that's about it. I haven't looked at any solid data, but my guess would be that Pentax is behind even companies like Olympus and Panasonic and even Fuji in terms of market share so the third parties probably don't see it as a profitable, hence they don't bother.

It is just a decision based on profitability. The two big third-party manufactures know that it doesn't worth their effort to provide lenses for k-mount from their own past sales records. So they walked away and leave the bread crumbs for hungry small lens manufactures. It is not going to change especially when they see k-mount's user base has been getting smaller ever since they left.

I mean this does leave open the possibility that someone like Rokinon might come along and so some 3rd party lenses (if they don't already, I didn't look) but I can pretty much assure that unless Pentax makes some steller comeback to Nikon, Canon and Sony, that I doubt that any of the major third party brands will ever see them (Pentax) as a worthy investment in time and money. Unfortunately, I think that's the reality and it sort of makes sense. Why invest in something that probably isn't going to pay off in the end?

Alex, we don't know what kind of agreements Ricoh may have with other companies, do we? Even if there is no control involved at all, it is still interesting to hear their stance on the matter.

You other two guys are funny. You don't have any insider knowledge, but you talk like as if you did. At least one of you is admitting that they are guessing. For your information, "Rokinon" is a brand name of Samyang. And yes, Samyang has been making lenses in K-mount for a long time, including under the "Rokinon" name.

Class A: indeed, we don't know; however that was actually (not in this exact form) said in a past interview.We know they have agreements with Tamron (for 3 of their lenses) and Tokina ("co-development" - which usually means the design is done mainly by Pentax, and Tokina helps by raising the volumes). But both are in order to expand the Pentax lens line, not to sell third-party lenses.

yes I was aware that Rokinon and Samyang are the same company (I just get tired of typing out both names... plus more people I think have heard of the Rokinon name especially after DPR's coverage of some of their lenses).

These are just the ones one can buy new. There are many, many more available on the used market. Some of these so-called "legacy" lenses are excellent and can easily be used on a 36MP sensor.

Are some options missing? Yes, if you are keen on silently focusing primes then some patience is required until Ricoh has caught up. Patience seems to be rewarded though as Ricoh's recent developments like the 70-200/2.8 lens are top notch in quality and future developments (like the 50/1.4) also promise to have very high quality.

ClassA - I'm not a Pentax user but I'm sure many K1 users will appreciate that list, which is more extensive than I imagined.

One thing is not clear, and perhaps you or someone else might clarify: Which of these lenses are fully compatible with all of the advanced metering and AF aspects of the K1?

Obviously lenses such as the manually focusing tilt-shift lenses are not compatible with either AF or metering, but there are many other lenses on the list that have no indication of whether they are AF or manual focus, or what their levels of compatibility are.

@entomanI agree, the list would be more informative if it detailed the level of support a lens provides.

Having said that, even the most basic K-mount lens with no electric contacts supports so-called "stop down metering". It will involve pressing a button on the camera manually, each time you want to update the metering result, but that works rather well.

Also note that AF confirmation and even catch-in-focus is also available for even the most basic K-mount lens. The AF area will often be restricted to the centre AF point, but the camera will tell you when you have achieved focus or even automatically take the shot once you have achieved focus manually. Not every Pentax DSLR may support this without tricks, but some recent models definitely do.

I remember a lot of interview question about FF body before the K1 days.Pentax always say, they are not focusing on developing a FF body and use their small R&D budget as an excuse. That was when FF DSLR still in big demand. Nikon Canon made load of money from that sector.Back then, Pentax spend money on what? Multi color camera body & smaller sensor camera like the Q, and Did they make enough money? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ then they released the K1. What happen after they release the K1? it SALE and made money!!!

Now Mirror-less demand is going up and up. you ask them about their mirrorless, and they pretty much use the same excuse when ask about FF body back then. They can not even understand what is mirrorless, when people talk about ... mirrorless body. yeah, on live view, our DSLR will turn to a mirrorless, lol

Pentax will wait for another people to make ton and ton of $$$ then Pentax will release their own FF + APSC mirror-less that doesn't look like a plastic toy. just give them time.

I agree with you that Pentax should have offered an FF model much earlier. They would have had the best impact when Canon and Nikon weren't offering budget solutions like the 6D and D600 yet.

However, I don't agree regarding mirror-less technology. While mirror-less technology has certain advantages, it also has disadvantages. Despite being hailed as the future of photography for years and years and years with quite some force, mirror-less sales are still behind DSLR sales.

Yes, ideally Ricoh would compete in the mirror-less space as well, but to do it well, it would require a completely new lens line up. What is the point of mirror-less when you mount one of the new "for mirror-less" Sigma lenses to your small body and the lens just contains the space that a DSLR contains *once* instead of it being repeated in every lens of that type?

Having a completely new lens line up is not feasible for Pentax at the moment, so they are not hiding behind excuses.

Class A Use a Sony A9 or A7r3 and see how many performance disadvantage of mirrorless you can list compared to an K1. If you are honest with yourself your list would proabably only have build quality/robustness and ergonomics on it. High end mirrorless is currently almost better in every way than DSLR, in a few years DSLRs will be obsolete. Pentax will be late again to this inevitable change,just as they were with full frame

Of course it would've been the best if they started the FF DSLR line years before the K-1; and if they updated the DA line as well. What's the point in stating the obvious about something which already happened?It's not like they didn't want to do it; but they were owned by Hoya back then, and Hoya didn't care about Pentax Imaging Systems. Instead of growing, Pentax Imaging diminished.OTOH as soon as the ownership changed, the Pentax folks started pushing for the FF project.

@AyohSony has just about started to get decent battery life on their mirror-less models. Still inferior to a DSLR.

Ergonomics are better on a DSLR. As soon as you start using longer lenses (if you can find them for your Sony), heavier zooms, or just a modern prime (those tend to be rather big and heavy these days), the small form factor of the Sony models you listed becomes a disadvantage in terms of handling the camera lens combination.

Where is the size advantage with a couple of decent lenses?

People moan about the menu system on Sonys as well, can't comment on what merit that complaint has, but I see it pretty frequently.

Continuous AF tracking is probably still better on a top DSLR model. Mirror-less systems got a lot better but haven't matched the best PDAF systems out there yet. Low-light PDAF is probably also better handled by a dedicated PDAF system (rather than on-sensor solutions). The A7II was definitely still lacking in that area.

@AyohWorst of all, for me personally, are the electronic viewfinders. Again, they got better, but none of them is lag-free and colour neutral.

No, I don't want to turn on my camera, just to frame a scene that I may not take a photo of.

No, I don't want to see the camera's idea of how to white-balance a scene. I prefer to see the scene as it is.

Yes, having a preview of how the image is going to look like in the viewfinder can be nice, but a) I have enough experience to know how it is going to turn out.b) an image will never look like what is shown in the viewfinder after I have processed it anyhow. I'm not a JPEG shooter who "loves the OOC look".

Looking at screens all day long (monitor, tablet, phone, ...), I prefer to just have glass and a mirror between my photographic scenes and my eye.

what is mirrorless? it is what compact camera have been since the very beginning. Sony FF mirrorless is a compact camera with a larger sensor inside. What's new is PDAF sensors on the image sensor itself, Canon DSLR have it as well (dual pixel) and is even better than Sony's and Fuji's implementation.

I've owned Pentax cameras for a long time, and Pentax SLRs offered similar functionality as any other decent SLR. . Not anymore! Great pricing, yes.

I understand you want to focus on Landscape photography, but people don't buy just for that -- maybe some do -- and more buyers the better. Today's high-end cameras need to have that edge over a cell phone camera -- for practically everybody has one!

Regardless, don't be bitten by obsolescence, else one can easily guess your new masters are going to be some nimble (Chinese ?) company who have invested in AI.

Please pay attention to 'object detection' in the field of AI, and hopefully you will see your way out of this. Your problem is far less challenging that of a Tesla driverless car. At the worst your camera will miss a person, something Elon Musk would be dearly wishing right now ;-)

A pleasant interview which shows the brand in a sympathetic light. It’s interesting that in these replies a fair number of people are more engaged by things like the GR (especially) or the K-01 than by the traditonal mainstream items.

I’m also interested in the suggestion that in the future a super-high-res 360 Theta shot could be sliced to create decent part-images of more interest to conventional photography. One can see the application of that in real estate presentations and the like: one capture of the scene which can be re-presented in any way you like at good quality.

Seriously, I've wanted a k-3 iii for a while, but if its been 3 years this month and they're just *starting* on a replacement...oy. Sony's going to have a fully sentient AI in their cameras by the time Pentax updates their AF module.

"Editor's Note:Pentax's DSLR-only lineup looking a little staid"That's incorrect, since Pentax still offers the Q-system. A qucik check at any EU or global/JP website of Ricoh Imaging would have shown this. So Pentax offers three lines of cameras/lens mounts (Q/K/645), that's more than the market leaders do.

Although Ricoh say the Q system is not officially canceled, it's effectively abandoned. Nothing new has been offered for a long time, and bodies are not readily available. Even the macro lens they had on the roadmap for years, which was prototyped and ready for production, has never been given the green light for a production run.

Does a system need new elements to be used for taking photos? I'm afraid that some systems are complete enough to not require anything new. The truth is, once we have a good camera and a set of lenses, we don't need anything else, we may want to buy things but that's not about photography that's about the pleasure of buying. It like saying the GFX50 is abandoned because after releasing 6 lenses Fuji does not release a 7th lens. Non sense.

Five listings. None of them in Germany, despite this being the German Amazon site. Something in production has rather more listings. The last three all charge more than the Q-S1 cost on release. The second store doesn't have any in stock, just says they will. Someday. The first has 3 (in total!) in stock - and charge €800 for the last one in one colour variation. So there are a few new camera bodies out there - but all this doesn't really signal an in production camera.

Remember the person I replied to stated that "A qucik check at any EU or global/JP website of Ricoh Imaging would have shown" that the Q was still in production. Well here's the European store of Ricoh - http://shop-de.ricoh-imaging.eu/ - try find a Pentax Q series camera or lens.

Same thing as with Amazon. Two store listings - both which appear in the Amazon listing, too, neither in Germany. Again - a camera in production has rather a lot more hits and more local store's on offer. These are the last few left overs.

Four listings. The first one by a shop with rather dodgy reviews. The other three all don't have it in stock. Listing something as available doesn't - sadly - really mean internet shops actually still sell something.

Sure, you don't need to release new bodies for the old ones to work, but you need to still produce them, if you want the system to be alive. The fact that four bodies were released annually (Q in 2011, Q10 in 2012, Q7 in 2013, Q-S1 in 2014), and that no new bodies have appeared during the last 3½ years, pretty much tells us that the system is abandoned. Production of the old bodies has almost certainly been discontinued. The Q system is as dead as Samsung NX.

This is great news, I've been holding out for the new GR as mine broke about a year ago. Just hope they don't change too much as it was already almost perfect.A new sensor with a modest increase in resolution, better dynamic range and better high ISO performance would do it for me. Can't Wait.

Yea after this read I'm not so confident in this company anymore. A third GR will definitely be released but I don't expect anything more afterwards. The GR alone can't sustain this company and the competition, with bigger R&D pockets are about to come forth with their offerings that will surely overshadow them. I see it like the video console wars, the market giving that its ever shirking, can probably at most sustain maybe 3 companies. Sony, Nikon, Cannon, Ricoh, Panasonic, Olympus, Fujifilm, one of these companies won't be around in the foreseeable future as we know them today.

Yea after this read I'm not so confident in this company anymore. A third GR will definitely be released but I don't expect anything more afterwards. The GR alone can't sustain this company and the competition, with bigger R&D pockets are about to come forth with their offerings that will surely overshadow them. I see it like the video console wars, the market giving that its ever shirking, can probably at most sustain maybe 3 companies. Sony, Nikon, Cannon, Ricoh, Panasonic, Olympus, Fujifilm, one of these companies won't be around in the foreseeable future as we know them today.

@Raintitan I believe the GR III is coming in September of this year...

@Rob890 Pentax has more than one great product. I love my 645Z, and I know a lot of people who entered the MF market because of that camera. I just bought a K-1 II, again, because the owners of the K-1 love it, and it is a much better camera than say the Canon 6DII. K-3 owners seem to love it and can't wait for the Mk III. My guess is that Pentax is a pretty profitable division within a very troubled Ricoh...

...and AF is in the far past, too. If Pentax releases a camera with AF standing up to anything current that will be a big day of photography. Really, this only component could make their next generation of cameras.

Modern Pentax AF systems focus accurately under a vast range of lighting conditions including varying colour temperature and low light. The -3EV capability of the K-5 II beat quite a number of competitors at the time which only managed -1EV or worse.

The Pentax K-5 which had a far inferior AF system compared to the K-5 II, won the ColorFoto AF test in 2011 (Issue #9). It beat Sony Alpha A55, Canon 7D, and Nikon D7000 in terms of accuracy. Did you know that? Would you have expected it, given the bad press Pentax AF often gets?

I'm afraid that "bad press" is not based on comprehensive and systematic analysis. A thorough analysis reveals, for instance, that Canon AF has been known to not have a confirmation phase at the end of acquisition. This is a way to gain speed, but may result in loss of accuracy.

Sure, if Pentax could up their AF-C game, I wouldn't complain. But the rest, I wouldn't want it any other way.

No, the bad press about the capabilities of the AF system is warranted. It really IS behind everyone else in the market, at this point. AF-C is part of the Autofocus system. As are things like eye/face detection. As is Video AF. I own a K5; *istDs before. I am on a different system for my professional needs now.

Still like a lot of what Pentax offers otherwise from ergonomics, menu system to build quality - but in terms of software features / algorithms / etc they are just woefully far behind.

@Class_A:You're right - I do not know much, including the bad press. I know only that the AF was very prone to color/light-temperature errors and it used to drive me crazy when I had it. But indeed, lower/older Nikons have the same problem, including d7000. And yes, Canon wins for me the "AFC game". The urban legend about the "open-loop" ('lack of confirmation phase') is rather a long-gone myth. Regarding the AF-competition in'11, was it the one based on a readers' survey?But you know, you made me really curious if anything changed for last years. Thinking to tryout KP - I would be very happy to see all the issues mitigated, as CaNikon is not perfect either.

You are right, any Pentax DSLR before the K-5 II was prone to miss focus slightly in certain light conditions. However, that is a problem of the past and modern Pentax DSLRs have quite a bit snappier AF as well.

The ColorFoto AF test I mentioned was not a reader poll, but based on objective measurements.

The KP wouldn't be my personal choice due to the grip(s), but if its style/design appeal to you why not give it a spin? :)

Just like a Ferrari can't drive when it's off. What's your point? Who goes around and within one second brings a camera up to their eye and shoots from having it turned off? Even most street photographers can deal with the startup time of a mirrorless camera these days. Or else, just keep it on. With Sony's new batteries, that should not be a huge problem.

Pentax have absolutely great cameras. Image quality by Pentax RAW files and results of any kind of processing of RAW files are far better then from my Nikon and, especially, from Canon. Even this old K-01 give true amazing results up to ISO1600, and in last money number of his shutter actuation got 481000...

yes, really, mine now have 481007 actuation and its stay in absolutely great condition, i can't believe, even right rubber door is not lost, camera doesn't getting many dust, want to clean sensor once per year. K-02 will be just amazing, with KP image quality and any kind of PD auto focus... In China now you can buy K-01 body (new!) for 230 USD and in this price even with current auto focus its an amazing camera, you can use any old Pentax lenses, and great interval shooting.

Squeezing in FF sensor to K-01 sized body is not too hard. Because the boxy K-01 design is mostly due to long K mount flange back length.And Pentax they have achieved the most small FF sensor module with SR function.

Alas my own K-01 as a backup body will last much longer than my expect. There's plenty of actuation left to reach 400k count.

Disappointing! This means that they're developing one product line, the K-Series alone. "the study for the development of the next GR is already ongoing" means there's little or no work put into it.

I'm baffled since they released the GRII without much of an upgrade of the GR1. The sensor is so old and doesn't do the lens much justice. It is a sensor from the Nikon d7000 nearly 10 years ago! The GR deserves the recent 24MP sensors.

'"the study for the development of the next GR is already ongoing" means there's little or no work put into it.'

No, for all we know the camera could be ready for release within the next few months. These company executives always talk like that; they're "studying", "discussing" and "considering" this and that, but it really doesn't say anything about the development status of the products in question.

Guys, seriously, do you have an interview with Nikon? I cannot believe that you interviewed EVERY camera manufacturer except Nikon :) I also cannot believe that Nikon said "no, we don't wanna talk to you"... Give us a hint at least!

I know’ what Nikon would have said :- we are constantly’ improivng our products- we are willing to meet customers requirements - we are developing mirrorrless - we want to change photography- we know hard times but we remain optimistic

danslic - ...and what they *should* have said:"we make the best specified DSLRs on the market""we get maximum IQ from Sony sensors""we had QC issues in the past but ours is now among the best""we will soon have a mirrorless that will challenge Sony""we will expand our range of DX glass"

mandm - I'd be surprised if that is the reason why Nikon declined to be interviewed, but I absolutely agree with your implied sentiments about the obscene level of personal attacks and general level of rudeness and ignorance displayed by certain commentators on this site.

However, there is nothing at all wrong about *polite* and *constructive* criticism of companies or their products - they actually appreciate that sort of feedback, which helps them to adjust to customer demands.

entoman: I joined this site in January 2006 and back then it was rare that I saw rude comments, today it’s common and the personal attacks between 2 or 3 members will take over a real conversation with 10 to 15 or more negative comments and DPR does nothing.Pity the new guy who posts a photo or new website and ask for feedback on how to improve it, the comments are so rude and demeaning that few will ever do that again.I can’t confirm that Nikon said ‘No’ due to all the negative comments against anything Nikon says or does, but DPR has been encouraging it; twice in the last few months DPR has used a photo of the Nikon DL with a general article on Nikon that has nothing to do with the DL or compact cameras. You may be able to guess the direction the comments went, very negative. I’m just guessing, but was the use of the DL by DPR due to Nikon saying ‘No’ on other occasions? I agree, *polite* and *constructive* criticism is good and needed, but DPR doesn't offer this anymore.

Nikon weren't launching any new products at or around CP+, which affects the personnel that they send to events like this. As such, I wasn't surprised that we weren't able to book a formal interview at the show. I know Dave at Imaging Resource did sit down with someone from Nikon for a chat, but I don't know whether it was for an on-record interview piece.

We did spend considerable time with Nikon in Japan, but it was after CP+ and further away, at the Hikari glass factory in Akita. We're working on that article right now, and you should see it published in the coming days.

@Barney BrittonI checked all my notifications (including emails) and could not find any notification alerting me to your response. This is regrettable, as I would like to be informed of all follow up comments. Perhaps the notification system deserves another look?

In the light of the above, could you please consider retracting your "trolling" comment?

Besides, my other post (with slightly different content but pointing to the same interview) was made to another article. Hence it is not that likely that anyone but you would have seen it twice, do you not agree?

ClassA - Yes, I support you in your right to defend yourself on this issue. You provided a link to an interview that most Nikon users (and non-Nikon users such as myself) found interesting, particularly as dpr had not been able to secure an interview with Nikon themselves (which seems an incredibly odd way for Nikon to behave). I was completely unaware that you had posted the comment on 2 different threads but I don't see any harm in that if it relevant.

Since the K-1 has a LCD-based display of markings in the viewfinder, Pentax doesn't have interchangeable focusing screens for it. So the official answer is: no.But I read somewhere that the focusing screen can be actually removed/replaced in a similar manner with other Pentax DSLRs.

Your second paragraph is correct. All Pentax DSLRs are the same. I've had split screens in K10D, K20D (from KatzEye, until they went bust) and now K-1 (from the link above). For the K-1, I didn't enjoy what it seemed to do to the metering - so I have put the original screen back.

I have also read split image focus screens screw with metering.. I didn't know the K-1 screen could be replaced...

> When the screen was un-replaced, did all the LCD overlay stuff plug back in okay ?

Without split screen, in addition to live view focus, the focus indicator lights up when focus is reasonably well achieved.. Live view focus isn't always convenient but the focus indicator is lighted inside the viewfinder, of course.

This works only for center focus point. Focus using the indicator is a little finicky, I think, but I believe it is possible to become familiar with it and get good results with shallow depth of field.

I have tried using focus point with manual focus and, as an example of the need to become familiar with its behavior, feel I get better results turning the focus ring from infinity towards my point of focus.. I need more practice.

I haven't clicked on the link above but there may be information whether the screen is replaceable by user or by service. I might get the model number for the screen offered by focusingscreen.com and then search "model number Pentax K-1 replacement" and see if the results show any reviews or comments.

@tedolfThe K-1 focusing screen is not meant to be user-replaceable as it is electronically connected to the camera, but as the post by @sfa1966 demonstrates, the K-1 doesn't make it impossible to replace the screen. It seems rather easy, from the description.

It isn't clear, though, whether re-installing the original focusing screen re-establishes its original functionality.

DPR, thank you for posting your Ricoh CP+ interview. That premium UWA zoom lens for crop sensors they have planned for this summer looks very interesting. The FA* 85mm f/1.4 is on my 'watch list'. & a new 70-200 f/4 appeared on the road-map. So they clearly want to start releasing more lenses.I look forward to your comparison of K1II with K1.

Pentax is making what Pentax Owners are asking for and they are asking for Pentax to continue making cameras with Tough Body Construction and Weather & Dust Resistance as All Current Pentax SLR’s are. Pentax Owners are also asking for a 2nd Full-Frame and an APS-C Flagship camera, plus additional Lenses for Full Frame and APS-C. Pentax is also doing well with their 645Z, 17 current lenses with 7 Zooms and 2 Macros.

Pentax is a small, but an interesting company, they have 3 Camera lines, APS-C, Full-Frame and 645Z and All 6 Bodies are Weather-Resistant, as are 16 Lenses, 3 Battery Grips and 2 Flash Units. No other camera company can claim this.The 645Z is Weather-Resistant and has an Airtight Body; the Lenses are very well made with 3 of them also Weather-Resistant and Sealed. There are 7 Zooms and 2 macros in the 17 current 645Z Lenses, along with 20+ older AF and Manual Focus lenses that will work on it.When Pentax does go Mirrorless in a few years they will want to use their current APS-C and Full-Frame Lenses as they build up a new lens line, so no MFT.

Once you stick a cheapo f5.6 lens on a mirrorless, it is small and cheap. But once you stick a f1.4 lens on a mirrorless, the size benefit is gone, and you get the overbright eye straining viewfinder that drains battery in no time so when you travel you have to add a battery grip or carry extra batteries which also make the presumably small size of mirrorless irrelevant. And now, the new mirrorless models are as large as DSLR, Fuji XH1 is as large as a Pentax K3 and larger than a Pentax KP.

Well, each one to their own. I respect other folk's views but from where am standing the near future is what works best for me. To my way of vision DSLR's are a thing of the past. Yes, they have their strengths but also weaknesses, as mirrorless have but portability (less bulk) is the way forward. If a 3 year old NX500 & NX1 can do magic then what's stooping anyone from creating amazing stills (and video) ?. Anyhow, the demise of stand-alone cameras is evident and even smaller portable devices (such as smartphones) will take over and will become the new cameras of the future, whether we like it or not. Samsung was one of the first to realise that.

dansclic: Yea, Pentax has 3%± Market Share and they have been around 3% for years, they have a small, dedicated following, they are a great camera for shooting in poor weather. Why are some/many people on this site so insulting when anyone has a brand other than theirs? This use to be a great site, not so much anymore; the camera manufacturers use to monitor this site for real feedback, they have cut back or dropped this site due to the insulting comments and personal attacks that destroy many/most conversations.

And from a user point of view, why should every camera company produce every kind of body? I don't see folks clamoring for Oly or Sony to have a new DSLR. They are different tools; if I wanted a Pentax mirrorless I'd just buy the Sony or an M43 (and in fact I have). They complement each other well, although it's probably heresy to those who wanna have One Brand to Rule Them All.

So I'll repeat what I've said previously: Pentax should make agreements with lens OEMs such as Tamron, Sigma, and Tokina whereby those companies would make many more of their better lenses available in K-mount, branded and sold as Tamrons/Sigmas/Tokinas. The customer would certainly get much better warranties and probably pay less than with the present arrangement; the current rebadging scheme just frosts my b*lls. And with Pentax presumably providing the full lens-body interface protocols to these lens OEMs, the customer would also have better lens-body compatibility and assurance of upgrade capability than with the reverse-engineering that occurs when these secondary lens manufacturers create unlicensed versions in Canon and Nikon mount.

Pentax could thereby very quickly flesh out its lens options, and could concentrate its obviously-limited R&D and manufacturing capabilities on truly innovative new camera bodies, which has traditionally been its strength.

Let's see...- Sigma is probably not an option (reverse engineered products, with glitches and all?)- Tamron, they already have an agreement covering 3 lenses (DA 18-270, D FA 15-30, D FA 24-70). Yes, it's not bashing, you're describing something they're already doing ;-)- Tokina... that's an interesting case. I don't get why people assumes Pentax is so small that they'd need Tokina's help.Pentax/Ricoh Imaging appears to have significantly higher resources for lens development than Tokina. On the contrary, it is Ricoh Imaging who is "helping" Tokina with the 50mm, and maybe with other lenses in the future.

Capable lenses with true character, particularly prime lenses, be it their Limited or * lenses, to name just a few more recent lines, have actually been a Pentax forte for much of its history. And what makes you believe Mr Arai to look worried, apart from your obvious agenda, eludes me.

Pentax have the same problem Sony'A-mount in attracting 3rd party lens support, Nikon have gone for electronic aperture control. Engineering a lens for mechanical aperture shutdown is unlikely to worthwhile considering the limited number of sales.

@Alex Sarbu I think people assume that because they can't see any advantage for Pentax in those lens designs being available for other platforms as well. If you can get more or less the same lenses for Canon or Nikon, it might be one less reason to choose Pentax.

From an R&D point of view, the K-01 was a very conservative product. It used the standard CDAF available to contemporary Pentax cameras in live view mode, and didn't have a viewfinder. It was basically a K-series DSLR with the top chopped off and no mirror.

I still have and use one (K-01). It's a great camera, despite old reviews. It even has good video, if you forget autofocus. I use it mainly with legacy lenses and manual focus. The 50mm 1.2 and the 50mm 1.4 supertakumar are outstanding lenses, with lots of character. I enjoy its funky design, although I know many don't. I also use Nikkor lenses with interesting results. Get one if you can, they still can be find in good condition.

Used to own a K-01, and really regret getting rid of it, I even liked what some called the Fisher-Price design. Did have slow clunky AF, but using the K-01 with old Pentax manual primes is really the way to go with this one. I'll have to start checking eBay.

I've actually dusted off the old manual focus Pentax lenses my dad gave me. To that set I added a Cosmicar 28mm f/2.8 manual lens and I was out and about with it last month on my Pentax ist DS.

But I was trying out zone focusing with the 28mm lens, but having to figure out how to make it work on a cropped sensor. It really made me think of figuring out how to get my lenses onto a full frame sensor.

I like the K-01, despite it's shortcomings. I do wish that Pentax would try again with a FF sensor, add an EVF, tilting rear screen, cut down some of the body mass by including a distance tube with aperture control. As Barney B points out, very little new R & D required, because most of the technology is already there in the DSLRs.

Regarding size, sure it will be larger than some most MILC cameras, but they ain't so small when lenses are attached. Pentax already have some quite small K mount FF lenses if size is an issue (FA 35/2.0, DA 40/2.8 Ltd, FA 42/1.9 Ltd, FA50/1.4 Ltd, D-FA 50/2.8 macro, DA*55/1.4, FA 77/1.8 Ltd, D-FA 100/2.8 macro, D-FA 28-105/3.5-5.6, DA*60-250/4.0). No need for a new lens mount as far as I am concerned.

Importantly, a 'K-02' body would be smaller and lighter than the K-1, just as the K-01 is with respect to the K-5 or K-3.

I do have a K-01 and enjoy taking picture with it. My point is that it seems PENTAX's priority, with its limited budget is not mirrorless. After this interview, I personally accept PENTAX for what it is: a creative small brand with its priority in dSLRs and MF with its own limits. Hence, for mirrorless and faster autofocus, I gotta look to other brands. No need to stay loyal to one brand only after many years.

@Barney BrittonThe K-01 was not "basically a K-series DSLR with the top chopped off and no mirror." It did not have the exemplary ergonomics of standard K-series DSLRs as it was a design experiment in which Pentax gave designer Marc Newson pretty much free reign.

Some people loved the design and are able to overlook the obvious ergonomic flaws. Other people... let's say the introduction of this camera had me looking up the meaning of a word that I had not known before and that the majority of responses to it used to describe the K-01: "fugly".

@farzinshIf the K-01 had been a commercial success, I'm sure Pentax would have continued the line. Unfortunately, the camera was destined to fail with its wannabe "avantgarde" design that consistently evoked comparisons to a Fisher Price toy.

Its AF performance was unimpressive and the notably improvement through an firmware update came much too late. There was no electronic viewfinder, compromising the camera's usability in bright daylight.

I don't think the idea of simply omitting a mirror without making the camera thinner is necessarily flawed -- after all a Sony mirrorless just gains depth through mounting lenses, most of which are rather big, or in the case of recent Sigma lenses, just contain an added on empty space that the K-01 provided for all its lenses already. However, the particular K-01 design had extremely little chance to make it. I mostly blame Marc Newson, but then Pentax just watched the train wreck happening.

@Class AWhile I agree with your points., the selection of Marc Newson was PENTAX/Hoya's responsibility. Marc Newson was not a camera designer. I remember reading over ten years ago that PENTAX was a company where the engineers are photographers. The thinking, at the time of K-01 design was the camera will be presented as artists' 'chic' camera.

@farzinshI agree that Pentax should not have let Marc Newson ruin the K-01 project.

On the other hand, you have to cut Pentax some slack for trying to carve out new market niches. I'm not a huge fan of their alternative K-S attempts either, but I can relate to the attempt to find customers outside the traditional DSLR market.

In that sense, the K-01 was a legitimate attempt in spirit, just flawed in execution. Luckily, Pentax are rock solid when they design classic DSLRs.

I don't think the k-01 was flawed in execution. If you visit k-01 flickr group you can see how active is, and the general quality of pictures. Many people still use it and enjoy it. Pentax has a taste for funky cameras, and they have their public: the Q, the k-01, Ks1 and 2. Even the KP is something special in that respect. I use other brands too, but for me it would be a shame that Pentax would stop making this type of cameras, with very good IQ, solid and basic usability, good build quality, and with a different design. In every Pentax you have something outside the box, and for me that is as fulfilling as Leica's unchangeable design.

As it pertains to medium format (MF), It's common sense to me and exactly what I'm hoping Pentax does with their medium format offering for at least the next offering. I prefer OVF and live view; do not need mirrorless. Pentax's competitor (singular) in this market is Fuji (not Hasselblad or Phase); and OVF/Live View is a strong suit.

I just hope Pentax focuses on compatibility with other venders (professional strobes, lens manufacturers, etc.) and revamp their sorely vintage lens offerings with modern coatings and much wider apertures. **Pentax should look into fielding a larger sensor at a sub $20k price. Pentax offering a 150mp 645, partnered with Hasselblad, and Fuji to design a program that rivals CP1, and a deal with Zeiss for fast glass, and a more common flash protocol, etc... stuff working people can use!

The 645Z is near perfect. However Pentax needs to have a complete MF *system* which includes lenses, great software, and pro 3rd party compatibility.

A simple thanks for including Ricoh/Pentax in your interviews, DPReview.

Reading some of the comments, I can't help wondering about the source of all that bashing of, impatience with, and whining about all things Pentax. As far as I am concerned, as someone who has been happily shooting Pentax DSLRs and lenses for nine years now, I see nothing in the interview that would discourage me from going on to do so.

Yes, Ricoh Imaging remains a niche player, which means they cannot and will not roll out a stream of built-in obsolenscence product at breakneck speed, but they seem to have a strategy and some nice stuff coming and more under development.

There is a remedy for the negativity out there: grabbing your existing Pentax and Ricoh gear and creating the stunning photography that it will deliver in capable hands any day.

Oh, I've been around here quite a while, actually. But I still find the keyboard warfare baffling whenever I go here. How can people be so much preoccupied with incrementally-improving gear, and so little with photography? ;)

It's because this is a camera review site, not a photo gallery site. People here focus on progress and technological innovation. Sure, I can take great photos. I get paid for it. But I do not show off my work here. I talk about camera tech here.

However, you won't deny that many comments here appear to originate from people who apparently enjoy some kind of superiority because they believe they have chosen a brand which does some aspects better than other brands, will you?

Notwithstanding, that the technical differences they allude to are either non-existent in the first place or completely irrelevant for most photographers.

Constructive criticism and critical thinking is always welcome, but many DPReview commenter do not posses an inkling of knowledge, yet spout out their "expert" opinions with ample conviction.

I might suggest Pentax focus on landscape photography and astrophotography, as they seem to be in a position to offer the best features/value in those niche arenas. Sharp lenses are a must, but AF is not, so a good third-party could fill in there.

New GR - I really hope it has a built in optical finder w/clear LCD data overlay, weather sealing, and the newer 24mp sensor. It would be really cool if they took that concept and made a short zoom version too, with a fast lens. Like a 24-50mm f/2-4 or something. Whoa nelly!

ricoh is one of the makers who uniquely mADE A21 MM FILM COMPACT ,... I COULD SEE ricoh making a short zoom 18-50mm of a type that could be compactly made .....,, the worldwide camera enthusiast community was screwed out of not long ago by one of the big players .....

@ cgarrard ... All I would really want for a GR II replacement would be, as you mention, a built in optical viewfinder :) and, as mentioned below, make it weather resistant . I, currently, have a used GR :)

Continuing to support the digital versions of its traditional SLR systems (36x24mm and 645 format) is OK, but this sounds like Ricoh is accepting that the small size of its Pentax division limits it to a fate akin to when Olympus film SLRs stayed manual focus only. I do hope that the Pentax heritage can survive in its niche.

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